L House

This home is a modern interpretation of the traditional desert courtyard house, oriented to focus internally on the courtyard pool. Surrounded by living space, courtyard wall, and the cabana, the pool serves as a private oasis for the occupants. The great room, master, and entry all open directly into the pool, encouraging a healthy lifestyle with outdoor engagement. The second story features a roof deck overlooking the courtyard, and a private living room with views to the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding valley.

Site orientation, solar shading, cross-circulation across the courtyard pool and the compound walls all work together to provide an integrated approach to sustainability. The perimeter walls shield the courtyard from cold winter winds and dust carrying summer winds, while the home’s orientation allows for cross circulation throughout, cooling the internal spaces and providing connection to the outdoors for private relaxation or family gathering.

The home embodies passive models of historic desert traditions. Deep inset windows created through protective awnings or double wall construction provide the shading from the intense summer sun.
The design acknowledges the arid desert climate but does not succumb to it. The home incorporates the inherent advantages of daylighting while limiting direct solar exposure, creating a home that aligns itself with the environment to achieve a passive balance and a healthy outdoor lifestyle.